Cook County Man Sentenced for Gunrunning

Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced that a Berwyn man was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to trafficking illegal guns.

Miguel Martinez, 28, of Berwyn, was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison and two years of supervised release by DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Liam C. Brennan in a gunrunning case prosecuted by Madigan’s office in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Between October 2015 and April 2016, Martinez, an admitted gang member, sold several firearms illegally to an individual who did not possess valid FOID cards or concealed carry licenses. The transactions were arranged and closely monitored by ATF agents. Investigators found that some of the guns had been stolen in residential burglaries in Grundy and DuPage counties. Ballistics testing showed at least one of the guns purchased had previously been used in a Cook County shooting, and several could be traced back to a Chicago street gang.

“The defendant’s actions in this case perpetuated the sale of illegal guns for possible criminal activity,” Madigan said. “I am committed to continuing to work with federal, state, county and municipal agencies to find and prosecute the individuals who traffic illegal guns.”

The ATF, with assistance from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, conducted the investigation before referring the case to the Madigan’s office for prosecution.

“Gun trafficking contributes to the cycle of gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods. Those selling guns illegally and putting profit before public safety will be brought to justice.” said Special Agent in Charge Celinez Nunez.